Emergency Services News

This news item expired on 2/28/2014, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.

Community Input Requested on Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

As part of a regional effort to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, Buncombe County is requesting public feedback on natural disaster risk and preparedness. This feedback will assist the efforts of Buncombe and Madison Counties to combine respective local natural hazard mitigation plans into one regional plan. A mitigation plan identifies and assesses a community’s natural hazard risks, and determines how to best minimize or manage those risks.

A brief survey provides the public an opportunity to share opinions and participate in the regional planning process. Responses will help the planning team to better understand the region's hazard concerns, which can lead to mitigation activities and help lessen the impact of future hazard events.

By maintaining a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, Buncombe County is eligible for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants, which provide funds for eligible mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages. HMA provides funding opportunities for mitigation activities both before and after a disaster, as well as long-term hazard mitigation measures after a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Residents of Buncombe and Madison Counties are invited to participate in this survey at: